Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  A very good, if somewhat "vanilla", van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Brown - September 11 - 6:30 am

  Good, but not perfect by any means. Having come from a 2002 Honda Odyssey, I immediately noticed several shortcomings in the Sienna. The Honda engine was much more powerful, especially at takeoff. Furthermore, the Honda had power doors on BOTH sides, instead of just the right side. However, my transmission went out on my Honda after 70,000 miles so Ill gladly trade some power and a powered sliding door for better dependability. However, it just seems somewhat less "advanced" than my 2002 Odyssey did. If the Odyssey is the hot cheerleader who may love you one day, only to leave you for someone else the next, the Sienna is the tried and true girl next door who you can count on to be there.

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  as advertised, and a bit better. - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Sam - September 11 - 5:30 am

  Bought a 2012 Prius 6 months ago, and Ive put about 8000 miles on it. Observations: Very good in bad weather. Its heavy, with a 4 cyl engine, electric motor, and battery pack over the rear wheels. Stable. Driving on hilly roads with sleet coming down and cars going off left and right, I never lost grip. Felt very secure. Wife drives a Nissan Pathfinder, and the Prius is better on snow (less clearance, of course). Theres a BIG difference in MPG if you drive 65 or 75. I can average over 50 on my 45 mile highway commute (rather hilly) if I drive 65. I average perhaps 40 if I drive much over 70. The Prius is much louder at higher speeds. At 65, its not too loud, and its pretty peaceful. The car has a decent JBL stereo, and it covers up the noise. Speed up another 10 miles an hour, and the road noise and wind noise is significant. Headache loud. So, if you are willing to drive 65 and get passed a lot, the car will treat you better. And I timed it, by the way: I save about 3-5 minutes by going 10 miles an hour faster, on average. Not worth it, to me. Goes up hills much easier than I thought it would. Not at all gutsy, but gets the job done. Engine drones in most unpleasant manner under hard acceleration . . . almost as if Toyota purposefully tuned it to sound ugly so as to encourage me to not floor it. MPG is as advertised, around 50. In town, if I drive carefully, I can get much more--up to 70. Then, though, Im probably irritating people behind me. But its fun to try to keep the gas engine off for as much as possible. 6 months later, all is still good. Boring, now that the novelty has worn off, but still getting over 50 mpg. My gas savings is enough to make 80% of the payment. Couple of years have passed. No reliability issues. 50k miles. Boring car, but still getting about 48 mpg on hilly commute.

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  Tires not that much of an issue. - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By imcdowell - September 11 - 4:41 am

  Look at Yokohama Parada Spec-X 420 treadwear rating are 194 each set of 4 with tax in Texas is $915 installed at Discount Tire, Good year has a cheaper tire ar $125 each but it has lower tread rating and a more aggresive tread that will lead to more road noise. The good years can be had for under $600 installed but they would be inferior to the Yokohamas . Remember this car is a more comfortable alternative to a SUV their tires will usually cost almost as much and in some cases more.

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  Great MPG - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Roy - September 10 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my 2008 Yaris sight unseen and never test drove the model. I am pleased with the ride and build quality. This car is not a Camry, but rides remarkably well for a small car. I was surprised at the noise level in the car. I was expecting very noisy, but find the sound level to be tolerable. I have achieved 45 mpg on the highway which is amazing. The car is rated for 37 highway, but I have run thru 2 tanks of gas and registered 44 & 45 mpg. The only secret to my success is driving no faster than 60 mph. The car is quiet enough at that speed and it is also the sweet spot for MPG. If you want great MPG drive this car gently and you wont be disappointed

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  Where are the Li-ion batteries on Prius? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Whoofer - September 10 - 2:26 am

  Quiet as long as you arent pulling a mountain or hill. Needs more powerful and better batteries to allow the engine to turn on less.

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  Rav Sport; the GTO of SUVs - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Don - September 9 - 7:26 pm

  We checked them all out; CRVs, Rogues, Outlanders and Tiguan, etc. All had their points. We chose the Rav because of the build quality, the great lease deal, and the hot 265 hp V- 6 that gets mpg almost as good as the 4. Its really quick, with great handling; lots of fun to drive. The Rav sport w/ the V-6 is the only Rav without a tailgate mounted spare. You get "run flat" tires instead. Well see how that works out. The Rav is a total package choice; I dont think it wins, hands down, in any one category but is a solid choice across the board, including great resale (if you purchase). We were looking to get a little pizzaz in an otherwise functional vehicle; the RAV4 Sport 6 delivers.

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  2nd Time Around - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By THEAL - September 9 - 2:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. My first was a 2002 which I love and still have. My 2005 is even better. I love the steering wheel mounted radio controls, the extra cog in the tranny, and the slight bump in HP and fuel economy. This car is smooth as can be. Great car for long trips. Interior materials are better quality than the 07 redesign. I love the fact that all I have to do is general maintenance. I have no troubles with this car or my 02 (which now has 140,000 miles). Have not had to see a mechanic not even once. As far as sportiness, there is none to be had here, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a good car, that is smooth, quiet and reliable, then look no further than the Camry.

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  Fast Rav4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By cjd2966 - September 9 - 12:46 pm

  Fast little crossover with loads of power. Sport handling is excellent with firm ride and tire grip. Good amount of storage and great flip seats. Perfect for us and our dogs.

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  What you see..... - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kevink - September 9 - 12:23 am

  Yaris is exactly what you see is what you get. The power is impressive for a 1.5L 4 cyl and trans is smooth shifting. I average 33.7 mpg; coming from a Tundra V8, I cant complain. Seats are a little tight for my middle aged expanding backside, but this car is aimed at the skinny youthful set. Center mounted instrument pod stinks!

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  The Best SUV Made - 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By darwindropple - September 8 - 7:10 pm

  I love cars and over the past ten years or so I have owned two GMs, one Ram, and four Toyotas. While not all have been SUVs, there is no question that in terms of quality, construction and reliability, nothing compares to a Land Cruiser. However, as the LC200 dismal sales indicate, many people do not agree. 1) Why pay so much money for a Toyota with bland styling? There is no good answer to this question! If the badge and the styling are the top priorities you are better off with a Mercedes or Land Rover.